Glasgow Central Station’s lower-level platforms are set to undergo a major refurbishment project in a bid to encourage more people to use public transport regularly.

An application to transform platforms 16 and 17 has been submitted to Glasgow City Council planning bosses which, if successful, would see new cladding to trackside walls, porcelain tiles to stair and lift areas, a new ceiling canopy and the resurfacing of both platforms.

It comes following Network Rail’s 2019 vision of “putting passengers first” (PPF) which aims to place customers and passengers at the heart of everything they do. 

The proposal seeks to support this vision by enhancing the station assets, upgrading the building condition, improving the passenger experience and encouraging people to use these stations by making them a more sustainable travel choice.

A longer-term aim of the rail company is to regenerate the lower-level station overall by revamping ground entrance points, stairs and corridors. 
The A-listed city centre building was first completed in 1879 and extended in 1899-1905 to provide 13 platforms. 

The proposal aims to significantly enhance what is currently a dark and unattractive environment, using bright modern materials.

Network Rail says their proposal has been assessed against the local development plan and supplementary guidance in respect of heritage.  

They say the plans are also consistent with the relevant planning policy contained in Scottish Planning Policy, Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement and the Managing Change guidance notes in respect of use and adoption of listed buildings and conservation areas. 

For these reasons, the organisation requested that listed building consent be granted in full.